Confused About 1st Meet

[tannerarnell1]

Hi, I've decided that I am going to be participating in my first powerlifting meet come October. It is only a push/pull meet, but still something I want to do none the less. But I'm in a bit of an awkward spot.

Right now I weigh about 158, give or take a few pounds. And I'd say between 10-12% BF. And I'm about 66.5 inches tall. (I have very visible abs and obliques are visible too). I'm pretty strong as it is, and I haven't been training for too long because of some personal things that interrupted my training for about 6 months. Last time I maxed out, I got:
280lbx1 Bench
305lbx3 Squat
465lbx1 Deadlift

The reason I'm doing the push/pull meet is so I can continue to train my squat and bring it up to par. When I did these maxes I was about 152-154lbs, so I haven't gained much weight. But I'm stuck, because I don't know if I should cut down to 148 for the meet or not, or if I should try to gain some muscle and stay at 165 like I was originally planning, or even try and get super huge and go to 180. I know I could cut back to 148, but I don't want to lose any potential gains or muscle mass. But I know if I get down to 148 I'd probably be more competitive, maybe even break some records. But another part of me thinks I can still be competitive at 165 if I just put on some lean muscle and increase my lifts some more.

Any opinions??

[pterry0404]

You already polled this and litterally everyone told you to train and gain to 165.

Why are you asking again?

[tannerarnell1]

You already polled this and litterally everyone told you to train and gain to 165.

Why are you asking again?

I didn't mean to add the poll the first time, I wanted actual responses instead of just poll numbers.

[PhantomMaxx]

For your first meet I'd say 165 since you have time to build up to it for Oct. meet. I compete in two weight classes, at lighter weight you are weaker and more stressed out from cutting. At my heavier weight, only a water cut no strength lost and less stress. Slightly higher Wilks score on the lighter weight.

[tannerarnell1]

For your first meet I'd say 165 since you have time to build up to it for Oct. meet. I compete in two weight classes, at lighter weight you are weaker and more stressed out from cutting. At my heavier weight, only a water cut no strength lost and less stress. Slightly higher Wilks score on the lighter weight.

Cool, thanks for the advice man

[SA249]

For a first meet, honestly, don't even think about weight classes. Weigh what you weight. Train hard, eat enough to recover, and learn the process of preparing for and competing in a meet.

If you want a absolute answer, 165 is the best bet for a weight class based on where you are now, but don't worry about it if you end up weighing in at 167 or something.

[tannerarnell1]

For a first meet, honestly, don't even think about weight classes. Weigh what you weight. Train hard, eat enough to recover, and learn the process of preparing for and competing in a meet.

If you want a absolute answer, 165 is the best bet for a weight class based on where you are now, but don't worry about it if you end up weighing in at 167 or something.

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you

[_Aggression_]

For a first meet, honestly, don't even think about weight classes. Weigh what you weight. Train hard, eat enough to recover, and learn the process of preparing for and competing in a meet.

If you want a absolute answer, 165 is the best bet for a weight class based on where you are now, but don't worry about it if you end up weighing in at 167 or something.

SA249, I'm just following you around today and quoting you.

OP, this is solid advice. For a first time competitor, just go in there, lift some weights, establish some numbers, and enjoy. Train hard, eat big to recover/get stronger, and have fun. The last thing a first time competitor needs to worry about it cutting the last few pounds before a meet. Not necessary. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about cutting weight to get into a specific weight class until you have several meets under you and you're gunning for a record of some sort. Otherwise, who cares?

[godlaywers]

Go with 165 dude